MAUREEN WAITITU SHARES HOW SHE WAS SCAMMED

Content creator Maureen Waititu recently talked about how she fell victim to a scam. 

Speaking on her Instagram, Maureen said she chose to share the matter to raise awareness and protect others from similar schemes. “Guys, I just got conned by someone pretending to be from Kenya Power,” she admitted. “It’s embarrassing because I usually think I’m careful. Let me share so no one else goes through this.” 

The incident began when Maureen reported a power outage on her social media. On X (formerly Twitter), she tagged Kenya Power, “@KenyaPower a vehicle knocked down an electric pole at the Argwings Kodhek/Ole Dume junction. Power has been off for about 2 and a half hours. Thanks.” 

Shortly after, an account claiming to represent Kenya Power responded, providing what seemed like an official update. A subsequent phone call from someone claiming to work for Kenya Power escalated the situation. “He knew my account details and sounded convincing,” Maureen explained. “He asked me to send money to ‘verify’ my account.” 

Initially skeptical, she sent Sh 1,000 but accidentally revealed her M-Pesa balance. The scammer used this information to manipulate her into transferring all the money in her account Sh8,888 by entering specific codes. “When I saw the confirmation with a name I didn’t recognize, my heart sank. That’s when I knew I had been conned,” Maureen recalled. 

The scammer attempted to push further by suggesting she take out a Fuliza loan. When Maureen threatened to involve the DCI, the scammer mocked her. Despite feeling embarrassed, Maureen decided to share her experience. “Be vigilant, verify contacts independently, and never share sensitive information over the phone.”